China’s Military Conducts ICBM Test Launch into Pacific Ocean

On Wednesday morning, China’s military conducted a test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), as confirmed by defense officials. The launch occurred at 8:44 a.m. local time, according to a statement from Beijing’s Ministry of National Defense.

The missile was launched with a dummy warhead and it landed in designated areas of the Pacific Ocean, in line with the planned training schedules of the Chinese military.

The Ministry of National Defense described this launch as “a routine arrangement in our annual training plan.” It emphasized that the test adhered to international law and norms, stating that it was not aimed at any specific country or target.

State-run news agency Xinhua reported that the launch served to validate the performance of both the weapon system and the personnel involved.

In preparation for the test, countries of concern were informed in advance, ensuring transparency around the military exercise.

The U.S. military has expressed its belief that China is actively expanding its ICBM arsenal as part of a broader modernization of its military deterrence capabilities. An October report from the U.S. Department of Defense indicated that China currently possesses approximately 500 ICBM launchers and around 350 missiles.

Moreover, the report highlighted that China is in the process of building hundreds of new ICBM silos, aiming to enhance the readiness of its nuclear forces during peacetime.

Given this trajectory, the U.S. military has projected that China could exceed 1,000 nuclear warheads by the year 2030.

Support for this view comes from research conducted by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute in June, which noted a growing stockpile of Chinese nuclear weapons, hinting that a limited number of nuclear warheads might already be operational.

At present, China adheres to a “no first use” policy regarding its nuclear arsenal. The latest estimates suggest that the nation’s nuclear warhead count has risen to about 500, up from 410 the previous year.

In contrast, the United States has reported that its total nuclear stockpile consists of 3,748 warheads as of the end of 2023.

This situation continues to develop as military analysts and international observers pay close attention to the implications of China’s growing missile capabilities and stockpile.